Title:Interview with Matthew Swain

Job Title: Development Associate

What led you to Georgetown University Advancement?

While looking for a job I was introduced to Donald Dunn, who works in the Office of Advancement. We talked about opportunities at Georgetown and I was struck by how highly he spoke of the work environment and community at Georgetown. I felt drawn to the benefits of programs like TAP, which allows you to take classes at Georgetown, as well as the broader mission of Georgetown “to be responsible and active participants in civic life and to live generously in service to others.” I find purpose working for a mission driven organization and I found that here.

What’s been your biggest achievement at Georgetown so far in your career?

So far, having only been at Georgetown for a year, I would say my biggest achievement has not been any single moment or event. The role of a Development Associate is full of day-in and day-out tasks that all support the larger goals of my team and of Georgetown. From the numerous events and board meetings to gift conversations, each has its own set of tasks I have done to make them possible. My biggest achievement has been all of it, getting it done and being a good team member to my peers. Those times when all our individual efforts come together to create a successful opportunity feel like the biggest wins to me.

How did you end up in your current role? Did you have previous experience?

I came to Georgetown after working on a national political campaign. I wanted to move to DC, and I had some relevant skills as a theatre producer and from working in the restaurant industry. This work is people-focused and all about collaboration and relationships. So while I had never worked in development before, finding my footing felt natural because the transferable skills were all there. What felt great was joining an environment that recognized those skills and was willing to take me in despite my lack of “direct” experience, and then value my continued education and training.

What’s one fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know?

Most people don’t know that I used to play competitive volleyball. In high school, we were the Northern California state champions, and I used to travel across the country for tournaments. It was a lot of fun, and I miss the competition and teamwork aspects of the sport! It is not an enormous community so many people who played men’s volleyball know one another through that network.

How does your work align with the broader mission at Georgetown & Advancement?

At its core, the Jesuit mission, and therefore Georgetown’s mission, calls all of us to work for a better world. I believe that public policy can be one of the greatest drivers of change in our world, and as a fundraiser for the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown I am a part of the institution that is creating world-changing policy and policymakers for tomorrow. I feel lucky and called to be a part of this institution, and I truly believe that we have a part in making the world a better place.